Kurds in Syria Seek Substantive Support from Israel Amid Rising Threats

Many Kurds in Syria are seeking assurances of support from Israel as they face increasing threats from Turkish forces and extremist groups. Past experiences of ethnic cleansing have created fears of potential attacks on Kurdish-populated cities. The SDF, a Kurdish-led force combating ISIS, now finds itself at risk from both Turkish military actions and local militias. The need for greater international support, particularly from Israel, is paramount for the Kurdish population’s future stability and security.

On December 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in discussions with Jens Plotner, the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the German Chancellor. During this meeting, he emphasized the necessity for the international community to safeguard minorities in Syria, particularly the Kurdish minority which is presently facing various threats. Many Kurds in Syria express a desire for Israel’s support to extend beyond mere verbal assurances; they inquire if substantive actions will follow these statements.

The fear among Kurds in eastern Syria is palpable, as many believe Turkey may exploit the ongoing chaos to launch offensives against Kurdish-populated cities such as Kobani. Past experience weighs heavily on their minds, recalling Turkey’s attack in 2018 on Afrin where Turkish militia forces devastated Kurdish villages and displaced over 150,000 people, forcing them into precarious living conditions. More recently, Kurdish refugees faced subsequent assaults from Turkish-backed forces upon attempting to find asylum in areas like Tal Rifaat after Aleppo’s liberation from Assad’s control.

The Kurds have faced significant ethnic cleansing in places such as Afrin and areas surrounding Aleppo. Given the current rise of threats, they seek assurances that other predominantly Kurdish cities in northeast Syria will remain protected from similar fates. However, recent attacks have already begun to encroach upon these regions.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) governs much of eastern Syria, alongside its military wing, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Established with American support in 2015 primarily to combat ISIS, the SDF consists of a multicultural force, predominantly comprising Kurdish fighters who notably defeated ISIS in much of Syria by 2019. Yet, Turkey vehemently opposes the SDF, linking it to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a group Ankara classifies as terrorist. Turkey claims to act against terrorism in Syria, yet its support for extremist militias further complicates the dynamics on the ground.

Presently, SDF forces hold strategic positions along the Turkish border, controlling cities such as Kobani and Qamishli and managing vast territories in eastern Syria, including Raqqa. However, these regions face peril from ongoing Turkish airstrikes and ground offensives by the Syrian National Army (SNA), which is notorious for its human rights abuses. The SDF’s past cooperation with US forces has drawn additional scrutiny, raising concerns about the potential expulsion of US military presence from Syria, driven by Turkish ambitions to dismantle the SDF.

The Kurdish population in Kobani, a city that successfully resisted a brutal ISIS siege in 2014, is particularly anxious about the future. While some military support from Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga was allowed during the ISIS siege, Turkey’s subsequent construction of a border wall and increased military presence represents a significant threat to the region’s stability. Beyond the local threats, Turkish geopolitical maneuvers exploit its NATO alliance and Western relations, drawing attention away from its controversial actions in northern Syria. For the Kurdish community, greater backing from Israel is deemed crucial as they navigate the precarious security landscape of eastern Syria.

The situation for Kurds in Syria is dire, as they face numerous threats from Turkish military actions and extremist groups, particularly after the rise of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a significant player in the region. The SDF, predominantly composed of Kurdish fighters, rose to prominence through their successful campaign against ISIS in collaboration with U.S. forces. However, their position has made them a target for Turkey, which seeks to eliminate the SDF, linking it to the PKK, a group deemed a terrorist organization by Ankara. The hopes pinned on international support, particularly from Israel, highlight the Kurds’ precarious existence amidst regional power struggles.

The Kurdish community in Syria finds itself at a critical juncture where threats from Turkish forces and extremist militia pose an imminent danger to their existence. The call for international support, especially from Israel, reflects their desperation for concrete assurances against persistent aggressions. As the SDF continues its fight for autonomy and survival, the implications of international alliances will play a vital role in determining the future of the Kurdish people in this tumultuous region.

Original Source: www.jpost.com